Anam Cara Log TM
February 16, 2016
 
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Living meditation, what the ancient sage Patanjali described as pouring samadhi, like an unbroken stream of oil, into the other three states of waking, dream and deep sleep, is the fully integrated state that we are capable of knowing directly.

We typically "practice" meditation in a quieter environment, gently reducing movements of mind and body, to discover what is already present - the state of meditation - unbroken and uncaused - the state that is as natural to our infinite, boundless Self as the other states are to our limited body/mind self.

Meditation subsumes and transcends the ordinary states of waking, dream and deep sleep. Living in the natural fullness of that integrative state is the aim of skillful practice, full practice, eventually effortless practice and finally simply the unfolding of our innate state of radically free Consciousness.

Doing practices, engaging in sadhana, is like reading a book. Even as you read the first sentence of the book, the whole book already exists in its entirety, in all its fullness and richness, but due to the nature of mind, you can only access it word by word; you can only savor it sentence by sentence. Your attempts to skip ahead, to bypass this or that, are only another sentence or two in the book of your sadhana. It doesn't help to flip back, flip forward or flip out! Better to be fully present and savor the moment; it's the place where meditative mind intersects the waking, dream and deep sleep states. It's the only place you will encounter the awake One, your own true Self.

 Upon the clatter of a broken tile
 Chikan Zenji, 9th century Zen master




Upon the clatter of a broken tile


Upon the clatter of a broken tile
All I had learned was at once forgotten.
Amending my nature is needless;
Pursuing the tasks of everyday life
I walk along the ancient path.
I am not disheartened in the mindless void.
Wheresoever I go I leave no footprint,
For I am not within color or sound.



Chikan Zenji had received the grace of a great Zen master, practiced intensively as a monk for decades and after finding the endless study of Buddhism fruitless and the incessant austere practices still hadn't brought him freedom, he went out to cut grass around an abandoned temple. He picked up a broken piece of roof tile and threw it out of the way. When it struck the old courtyard with a clatter, the sound awakened him to the enlightened awareness fully present in the moment, setting him free. This poem sprang from that moment of full awakening.

 


 Living in the Presence
 Weekend Meditation Retreat June 3-5, 2016

Living In The Presence

Meditation Retreat
Friday evening-Sunday afternoon, June 3-5, 2016
Garrison Institute, Garrison, NY

Profound meditation unfolds the direct experience of Living in the Presence, knowing the Infinite as your Self and keeping the company of your highest nature through everyday life. During this retreat, through meditations, empowered mantras, chanting and instruction, you can learn to access what lies beyond the mind - the power, joy, compassion and creativity of the One - and deepen your experience of living each day in the wise, loving Presence of the Divine within.

Advance registration required since space is limited.
Please visit the Garrison Institute to register.

For more information please visit: Events


 


 Meditation Programs
 Anam Cara Meditation Foundation

Everyone is welcome to our non-denominational meditation programs. No experience is necessary.

7:15pm on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays - Meditation Session

2 Byram Brook Place, Armonk, NY 10504.
914-219-8600
All are welcome! No registration needed.



For more information please visit our Events page (click here) 


Thank you all for your notes of appreciation for our newsletter. It's great to hear from you!

Numerous people who attended the November meditation retreat wrote about their amazing and mind-stopping experiences of diksha, Shakti flowing through the mantras, chants, and the Maha Kali Yantra. Virtually everyone felt the Presence, the palpable, living Presence of the Divine that filled the sacred space of our meditation hall. I continue to hear from people who tell me the gifts of grace unfold for them through their practices at home and in everyday life. It truly was a grace-filled retreat. The genuine openhearted and dedicated nature of all who came must have been irresistible to the Divine! She came in all her glory!

We're working on scheduling the spring retreat, so keep in touch!

Everyone has the heart to be a true friend of the soul, an "Anam Cara." By embodying that ideal we may serve to help others to find love and compassion within themselves and the world.

Our highest nature is always manifest in relationship - to all other beings, to the environment, community, loved ones, and in relation to our own body and mind. Becoming mindful of the quality of our relationships allows us to learn where the light shines and where it needs to shine more. The ideal of Anam Cara is to continuously endeavor to expand the depth and the inclusiveness of the loving kindness we bring into every relationship, every moment, every breath.

If you have any suggestions, comments or sharings, for our newsletter please don't hesitate to e-mail me and I'll do my best to respond.

The Anam Cara Meditation Foundation is a 501 (C) 3, non-profit educational organization dedicated to teaching meditative practices. Our non- denominational programs are open to all. There are free meditation instructions and downloadable audio files of guided meditations on the meditation page of our
website.

Thank you for the many ways you have shown support for Anam Cara . Because of your gifts we can offer free programs and instruction to thousands of people. If you would like to make a tax deductible donation please send it to the address listed below or go to our website where you can make a secure online donation.

A special thank you to our generous supporters who give donations and make regular pledged donations.

I look forward to welcoming you in person to our programs.

With all my appreciation and love,
I thank you all.

May all beings know complete freedom from suffering and may all our actions reflect only wisdom, compassion, patience and love.

Lawrence signature
Lawrence Edwards, Ph.D.
Founder and Director
Anam Cara Meditation Foundation

Lawrence at Anam Cara
All newsletter contents copyrighted 2016


phone: 914-219-8600